Chamlian Students Welcome Ara Najarian, Krikor Satamian

Glendale City Council Member Ara Najarian (center-right) with Chamlian students and staff

GLENDALE—Chamlian Armenian School held its annual Academic Award Ceremony on Wednesday, February 5, to recognize the 6th to 8th grade students who have demonstrated outstanding academic effort and commitment, and have completed the first semester of the academic school year with a grade point average of 3.75 or above.

Vice Principal Rita Kaprielian welcomed the parents with her opening remarks, after which Principal Vazken Madenlian addressed the students with his inspiring words about the importance of hard work and perseverance. He encouraged students to stay motivated and to always strive for success, not only for their personal growth, but to become productive and contributing citizens in the future.

Glendale City Council Member Ara Najarian served as the keynote speaker, congratulating the students and reminding them to always be mindful and appreciative of the fact that they have been given the opportunity to excel in academics in a private school, and the sacrifices their parents make to enroll them in a private school. He encouraged students to embrace the exceptional learning opportunities available at Chamlian, to always be mindful of the choices they make for their future, and to find ways to give back to their community through volunteering at various organizations, many of which are affiliated with the City of Glendale.

The ceremony concluded with an opportunity for parents and students to meet with Ara Najarian.

Krikor Satamian visits Chamlian
On Tuesday, February 4, 7th and 8th grade students had the pleasure of receiving a visit from Krikor Satamian, acclaimed actor, playwright, and director.

With a 53 year history in theatre, Satamian has become a cultural icon both in Armenia and the diaspora. His prolific career began in 1960 when he joined the newly established AGBU Vahram Papazian Theater Group in Lebanon. A graduate of the American University of Beirut (AUB), Satamian attended the London School of Film Technique as well as the Bristol Old Vic Theater School in England. After one season of acting at the Belgrade Theater in Coventry City, England, Satamian returned to Beirut to take up the position of Artistic Director of the AGBU Vahram Papazian Theater Group as well as Lecturer of Drama at AUB.

The timing of the assembly was especially fitting as Chamlian’s Drama Club members, led by adviser Sarene Adessian, have been working diligently for the past several months in their various roles as cast and crew members in preparation for their highly anticipated production, “Alice @ Wonderland,” set to premier on March 6. The assembly gave them a great opportunity to ask Krikor Satamian questions on how to prepare for the stage and how to refine their comedic timing.

Satamian concluded the assembly with a promise to attend the play, stating that he is “excited to see what Chamlian students have to offer.” The administration is grateful to Krikor Satamian for his time with Chamlian students and for his words of support and encouragement.

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